Professional Staff Investigator

Posting Close Date: 

Applicants must submit their completed application by 05-03-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

Directly related experience is defined as Crime Scene Management, Forensic Science, Investigation, Law Enforcement, Loss Prevention, or Public Safety.

This is a civilian classification, meaning the employee is not a sworn officer, does not carry a firearm, does not respond to in-progress incidents, and does not make arrests.

Applicants for this position will be required to complete a Preliminary Applicant Questionnaire which will be emailed separately.

The selection process includes a Written Assessment and a Hiring Interview. The Written Assessment will be held the week of May 18, 2026. It is offered in-person only - there is no remote assessment option. Please block your calendar now to ensure you will be able to attend the assessment.

Top scoring applicants from the Written Assessment (up to 50 total) will be invited to Hiring Interviews, which are tentatively scheduled for the week of June 1, 2026.

IMPORTANT DETAILS REGARDING THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF INVESTIGATOR POSITION:
*Incumbents must be available to work any shift required by the department, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
*Overtime will be required as necessary.
*The training process is extensive; incumbents will attend an Academy that is 10 weeks long and will be required to complete 12 weeks of field training.
*The probation period is 18 months.
*Work is fast-paced and often stressful. It requires the ability to adjust quickly to changing job assignments and the ability to safeguard confidential information.
*Incumbents will often be exposed to highly sensitive and graphic content to include written documentation, photos and other evidence collected as part of investigative reports.
*This position requires the ability to safely drive both sedan and SUV-type vehicles during daylight and nighttime hours. This requirement also includes times of inclement weather.

Candidates placed on the Eligibility List must successfully pass the following:
*An extensive background investigation, including local, state and national criminal and fingerprint checks.
*A polygraph examination to verify information you have supplied in the Preliminary Applicant Questionnaire.
*Pre-employment medical, drug and psychological evaluations.
*Motor Vehicle History review

Incumbents will be required to obtain the Arizona Criminal Justice Information System Network Terminal Operator Certification within 6 months of hire.

**GRANT FUNDED POSITION NOTICE**

One of these positions is funded in whole or in part through a grant. In accordance with City of Tucson Administrative Directive 2.02-3:

It is the policy of the City of Tucson to apply Civil Service Rules and Regulations relevant to all grant funded positions.

A. Any employee who on initial entry into City employment under any type of appointment funded in whole or in part through a public or private source grant shall be informed in writing by Human Resources at the time of appointment. Status as a partial or fully grant funded position shall be documented by Human Resources.

B. The employee shall acknowledge, in writing, that the provisions have been read and understood that employment will cease at the termination of the grant regardless of the status of the employee and without regard to length of service.

C. If terminated, the employee will not be entitled to the layoff provisions set forth in the Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

D. The employee may be transferred, promoted, or demoted into a non-grant funded position and become entitled to the provisions of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

E. Permanent classified employees serving in a grant funded position who have previously completed a probationary period in a non-grant funded position are exempt from the requirements of this section.

ABOUT THIS JOB

Position Summary

The Professional Staff Investigator position at the City of Tucson’s Police Department investigates and analyzes evidence to determine the cause and source of crimes. This position manages caseloads, assists the public and law enforcement agencies, and reviews prescreens for police and professional staff applicants.

Work is performed under the supervision of a Police Sergeant. This position does not supervise.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists with interviewing witnesses, victims and suspects, collecting and analyzing evidence, including digital evidence, and conducting research to gather data and build a case. Drafts warrants, draws diagrams of crime scenes, conducts research and shows lineups to aid in the investigation.

• Assists public and law enforcement agencies by responding to telephone calls and correspondence, discussing cases and other issues as appropriate, and providing statistics or general information.

• Manages investigation caseloads by preparing and maintaining files, processing paperwork, writing reports, and processing evidence.

• Reviews prescreens for Police and professional staff applicants by reviewing their paperwork, conducting interviews and background investigations, and providing assistance to personnel as needed.

• Creates court-ready exhibits. Testifies in court by presenting case evidence and exhibits, and by explaining and verifying details from investigations.

• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions

Must be available to work any shift required by the department, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. May be subject to call out.

Indoor and outdoor work with some exposure to physical, ergonomic, or emotional hazardous environment.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications
Education: Associate's Degree
Experience: At least two (2) years of related experience
Licenses: Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D Driver License

Preferred Qualifications
At least two (2) years of investigation experience, law enforcement, public safety, loss prevention, crime scene management, forensic science, or experience in related field

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J6210 - Professional Staff Investigator

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation Grade

G107

Hourly Range

$26.57 - 39.86 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

Police Department, ZBUDG HIER - Recurring

Department Link

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Police

Background Check:  This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.  The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

Benefits: The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

Citizenship: The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status.  If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).  Click for more information from ACRD about employment discrimination and how to file a complaint with ACRD 

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov or 520-791-2619.   

Recruiter Name

Carolyn Pearson (200331)

Recruiter Email

tpd_hr@tucsonaz.gov

For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-791-4241.